Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed Saturday to work with his country's neighbors to fight terrorism, comments that come under intense pressure from Turkey and the United States for his government to help put an end to attacks from Kurdish fighters based in northern Iraq.
"Iraq should not be a base for attacks against neighbors," al-Maliki told a conference of Iraq's neighbours and major Western powers in Istanbul, according to the AP. "We will cooperate with our neighbors in defeating this threat."
He also that his country has overcome the threat of civil war and violence is declining. "Ethnic violence is decreasing... The civil war that Al-Qaeda wanted to spark has been prevented," Maliki conveyed, according to AFP.
"Iraq has overcome the period of danger and is stronger and more experienced today," he said. "Our success will help not only us but also you," he said, addressing Iraq's neighbours.
Maliki asked for more international support for his government's attempts at economic reconstruction and at quashing daily violence. He renewed a call on neighbouring countries to act to prevent "the infilitration of terrorists."
On his part, the U.N. chief appealed for dialogue to resolve fears of a Turkish offensive against the Turkish groups. "The series of incidents along the border between Turkey and Iraq demonstrates the need for continuous engagement to address concerns," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the delegates. "We recognize Turkey's security concerns."
Turkey is hosting the session, which includes about two dozen nations and organizations pledged to support Iraq's U.S.-backed government economically and politically. The guest list includes Iran and Syria.
